The Music of Pennsylvania dates from the pre-colonial-era through the 21st century, and Pennsylvania has been the birthplace for some of the most prominent musicians of their respective eras and the introduction of entire new genres of music to the nation and world.
The Hooters are an American rock band, which was founded in Philadelphia in 1980. They combine elements of rock, reggae, ska, and folk music.
WXPN is a non-commercial, public radio station licensed to the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, that broadcasts an adult album alternative (AAA) radio format, along with many other format shows. WXPN produces World Cafe, a music program distributed by NPR to many non-commercial stations in the United States. The station's call sign, which is often abbreviated to XPN, stands for "Experimental Pennsylvania Network". The broadcast tower used by WXPN is located at, in the antenna farm complex in the Roxborough section of Philadelphia.
Amos Lee is an American singer-songwriter whose musical style encompasses folk, rock, and soul.
Musikfest is an American music festival that has been held annually since 1984 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania in the Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania. It is the nation's largest non-gated free music festival. The festival begins on the first Friday in August, though it has been preceded since 2015 with a Thursday preview night involving the premium stage and adjacent areas. The festival ends the second Sunday thereafter.
Philadelphia is home to one of the world's most vibrant and well-documented musical heritages, stretching back to the colonial era. Innovations in classical music, opera, R&B, jazz, soul, and rock have earned the music of Philadelphia national and international renown. Philadelphia's musical institutions have long played an important role in the music of Pennsylvania and that of the nation, especially in the early development of hip hop music. Philadelphia's diverse population has also given it a reputation for styles ranging from dancehall to Irish traditional music, as well as a thriving classical and folk music scene.
The Brakes are a rock band formed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States in 2002. The original five members were Zach Djanikian, Matt Kass, Derek Feinberg, Josh Sack, and Adam Flicker. In 2006, they performed at SXSW Showcase, as well as many festivals such as All Good, High Sierra and Wakarusa. Their national touring has also enabled them to share the stage with artists such as Dave Matthews Band, O.A.R., Willie Nelson, John Fogerty, Live, and Widespread Panic.
Mischief Brew was an American folk punk band from Philadelphia consisting of vocalist and guitarist Erik Petersen, bassist Shawn St. Clair, and drummers Christopher Petersen and Christopher Kulp. The band played DIY folk punk and anarcho-punk music; it incorporated styles including American folk, Celtic folk, Gypsy-punk, and swing with lyrics influenced by the labour movement, protest music, and punk culture.
Toy Soldiers were an American rock band from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The group's sound melds elements of folk, roots rock, blues, and soul.
TheKalob Griffin Band is a Philadelphia-based five-piece Americana rock band formed in 2009 and is most commonly known for their impromptu shows and the allegiance of their community-driven fanbase.
Michael Tearson is an American pioneer underground DJ, concert and special appearance host, author, recording artist and actor. Inducted into the Hall of Fame, 2016, awarded by the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia.
Goodnight Lights is an indie-rock band from Collingswood, New Jersey formed in 2007. Their name references Margaret Wise Brown's Goodnight Moon. The band's sound incorporates elements of post 1990's indie rock, including the "lo-fi" alternative rock movement led by bands such as Pavement and Guided by Voices. Called "Fractured-pop specialists" by the Philadelphia Inquirer in January 2010, Goodnight Lights are known for high-energy live performances. The band has independently released three self-produced albums and performs frequently among mid-level Philadelphia rock venues.
HogMaw is an American band from York, Pennsylvania, United States. The music of HogMaw has been described as a combination of bluegrass, folk, funk, and heavy metal called "thundergrass".
Trophy Wife is an American punk and post-hardcore band based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Originally founded in Washington, D.C., in 2009, members include Diane Foglizzo on guitar and Katy Otto on drums, with both Foglizzo and Otto singing. They tour frequently, and many of their shows double as benefits for non-profit organizations. They have released three full albums: Patience Fury (2010), Sing What Scares You (2012), and All the Sides (2014).
Frog Holler is an American alternative country/rock, Americana band from Berks County in southeastern Pennsylvania.
Lily Mae Oppenheim, known professionally as Lily Mae, is an American singer-songwriter from Philadelphia.
TJ Kong and the Atomic Bomb is an American rock band from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Riverby is an American indie rock band from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Formed in 2018 by lead singer August Greenberg and guitarist Tyler Asay, the band released an EP, The Guide To Oversharing (2019), before signing to independent label Take This To Heart Records in 2020 and releasing their debut album, Smart Mouth. A second album, Absolution, was released in 2022. Riverby have performed alongside acts including Chris Gethard, Mannequin Pussy, and The Front Bottoms, and have been featured by WXPN and BrooklynVegan.
A Philly Special Christmas is the debut studio album by The Philly Specials – a vocal trio composed of Philadelphia Eagles offensive linemen Lane Johnson, Jason Kelce, and Jordan Mailata. It was released on December 23, 2022, by Vera Y Records. The Christmas album is produced by Charlie Hall, drummer for the band The War on Drugs. Former Eagles linebacker Connor Barwin served as executive producer. Johnson, Kelce and Mailata returned to record their second studio album, A Philly Special Christmas Special, which was released on December 1, 2023.
Sisters 3 was an American indie folk group from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, formed in 2005 by siblings Annachristie, Beatrice, and Cassandra Sadler. The group released two albums, Star Spangled (2008) and Coruscate at the Meadow Gate (2011), and found local notoriety, collaborating with artists including Hoots & Hellmouth, Sharon Little, and American Babies, and performing at the Philadelphia Folk Festival and venues including the Mann Center and Madison Square Garden. Annachristie Sadler would later find more notoriety as a solo artist under the name AC Sapphire.
